Providence College
Providence, Rhode Island 02918-0001
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Top graduate earnings — known for business
Providence College is a private institution in Providence with particular strength in business and biology. With an average SAT of 1342, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 4.2K undergraduates with a 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
88% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $87,054 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $45,538.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Friars
History & Fun Facts
- •History Founding In 1917, Providence College was founded as an all-male school through the efforts of the Diocese of Providence and the Dominican Province of St.
- •(1917–1921), began with 71 students and nine Dominican faculty members.
- •(1921–1927), the college added its first lay faculty member and opened its first dormitory, Guzman Hall (now known as Martin Hall).
- •(1927–1936), Providence College athletics soon received their moniker as the "Friars.
- •In 1933, the school received regional accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1342
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Decision (Binding)
November 1
Decision by December 15
Aid deadline: November 1
Early Action
November 1
Decision by December 15
Regular Decision
January 15
Decision by April 1
Reply by May 1
Providence College is test-optional for most applicants.
Providence College requires supplemental essays as part of the Common Application.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Decision Notifications
Transfer Admission
Fall Transfer
March 1
Spring Transfer
November 1
International Students
English Proficiency Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Financial Aid
Need-blind for domestic students.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
45.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.5%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$27,000
Academics
Providence has a rigorous core curriculum rooted in the Catholic and Dominican liberal arts tradition, including the Development of Western Civilization sequence.
View all 23 majors›
Programs (75)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
After Graduation
Top Employers
Top Graduate Schools
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
91%
Campus Life
Strong Division I athletics, particularly men's ice hockey and basketball. Member of Hockey East and Big East conferences.
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Dining
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
31
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from RI state average + city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Walkability
Residential campus in Elmhurst neighborhood; most buildings within walking distance.
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Admission Office
Harkins Hall, 1 Cunningham Square, Providence, RI 02918
Nearby Attractions
Federal Hill
Historic Italian neighborhood with restaurants and cafes.
WaterFire Providence
Award-winning art installation along Providence rivers.
Providence Place Mall
Major shopping center in downtown Providence.
RISD Museum
Art museum at Rhode Island School of Design.
Days out near Providence
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Providence, from real bookable tour times.
- Gordon College · Northeastern UniversityBig and small44 days
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst · Amherst CollegeBig and small24 days